Bulgarian MPs Approve Hefty Fines for Speeding

Lawmakers in Bulgaria voted on a first reading to approve new fines imposed for speeding.

Under proposed changes to the Road Traffic Act, anyone driving at a speed of 31-40 km/h beyond the limit in an inhabited area will have to pay BGN 400 (EUR 200), up from BGN 200, and BGN 600 for speeding more than 40 km/h, up from BGN 300.

A driver exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h will have to pay at least BGN 700 (up from BGN 300) and BGN 50 for every 5 km/h above, and will be banned from driving for a period of three months. In the latter case of violation, a driver will also be stripped of their car's license plate for a period of one months.

Out of an inhabited area, an excess of 31-40 km/h will result in a fine of BGN 300 (up from BGN 150). The fine for driving more than 40 km/h beyond speed limit will be BGN 400 instead of BGN 200, and anyone exceeding the limit by more than 50 km/h will be slapped with a fine of at least BGN 600 and BGN 50 for every 5 km/h above.

Additionally, equipment of vehicles with winter tyres will be mandatory between November 01 and March 01.

A driver with alcohol concentration in their blood beyond 0.5 per mille will have their driver's license taken away for a period of up to a year and a half. Current legislation allow for the measure to be imposed for a maximum of six months.